Specifications: 250hp, 331 cu. in. Hemispherical head V8 engine, Powerflite automatic transmission, coil springs with semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel vacuum assisted drum brakes. Wheelbase: 136"

Unashamed, indulgent, hedonistically luxurious - that was Chrysler's new Imperial. If you were successful, confident, and of course, wealthy, and you wanted to reward yourself with the very best, this is the car you bought. It was more stylish and more expensive than any Cadillac, and more luxurious and faster than any Lincoln. As a four door personal luxury car, it was a machine for the younger generation. Chauffeurs need not apply – the Hemi under the hood was strictly for the driver's enjoyment.

1955 marked the first time in Chrysler's long history in which was the Imperial was listed as an independent division of the company. Imperials were designated to compete directly with the high end Cadillacs of the era and that they did. They were equal in almost every respect; however, the new Chrysler model line for 1955 was a drastic departure from the styling employed on the previous Imperial model lines, which was one of the largest contributors to its initial success. For 1955 the Imperials were offered in two forms: the C-69 short wheelbase version known as the Newport Coupe and the C-70 longer wheelbase sedan version named the Crown Imperial.

Both Imperials were opulent in every respect though they were by most accounts a luxury version of the heart pounding 300 model introduced simultaneously. It was a grand year for Chrysler as they debuted and dominated in NASCAR with the 300 model, introduced a beautiful array of freshly designed concept cars and delivered their highest quality of motor car in many years to showroom floors across the country. Their sales reflected this and with a cost in excess of $4,700 when new, the Imperial, as shown with the example pictured here, provided those shopping in the luxury market an alternative to the mildly unchanged Cadillacs of the same year.

Imperials featured nearly every amenity possible as standard equipment, with the only options being Kelsey Hayes wire wheels and whitewall tires. The cars featured a vastly improved and smooth shifting Powerflite automatic transmission, AM signal seeking radio, power windows, power steering, power brakes, four-way power seats and of course the 250 horsepower, 331 cubic inch Hemi powerplant.

The handsome example offered here has recently benefited from a thorough interior cosmetic restoration. The enthusiast owner also reports that the Imperial is a very solid driving car and is complete with power window, steering and brakes. One of the most smooth, comfortable and understated luxury motor cars of the 1950s, the Crown Imperial we have the distinction of offering here is certainly worthy of close inspection.